EuroWire, PARIS: France’s trade deficit widened in December 2025 as imports grew faster than exports, official figures showed on Thursday, reflecting month end increases in purchases of agricultural and industrial goods and uneven export performance across key regions. Data released by the French Customs Office put the trade shortfall at €4.2 billion, up from a revised €3.5 billion in November, broadly matching market expectations and closing the year with a larger external imbalance.
Total imports rose by 2 percent from November to €56.4 billion. The increase was driven primarily by a sharp rise in agricultural product purchases, which climbed 10 percent over the month. Imports of mechanical equipment rose by 2.7 percent, while other industrial goods increased by 1.8 percent. The data showed continued demand for food products and capital goods toward the end of the year, contributing significantly to the overall rise in inbound trade flows.
By origin, imports showed strong regional variation. Purchases from African countries surged by 32.5 percent in December, marking the largest regional increase. Imports from the Middle East rose by 14.4 percent, while those from Asia increased by 2.6 percent. In contrast, imports from the Americas declined by 0.7 percent, and shipments from the European Union edged down by 0.2 percent, indicating softer inflows from some of France’s traditional trading partners within the month.
Export gains lag behind import expansion
Exports increased at a more modest pace, rising 0.8 percent month on month to €52.2 billion. Agricultural product exports grew by 2.3 percent, providing the largest contribution to export growth in December. Sales of mechanical and electronic equipment increased by 1.3 percent, while exports of transport equipment rose slightly by 0.3 percent. These gains supported overall export performance but were insufficient to offset the stronger rise in imports.
Several export categories recorded declines, weighing on the monthly trade balance. Shipments of refined petroleum products fell by 12.3 percent compared with November. Exports of agri food products slipped by 0.3 percent, while publishing and communication goods declined by 2.7 percent. The reductions in these categories limited the overall expansion in outbound trade during the month.
Regional trade flows show divergence
Regional export data showed mixed results. Exports to the European Union rose by 2.9 percent in December, remaining a key driver of France’s external sales. Shipments to Africa increased by 3.6 percent, while exports to the Americas recorded a strong gain of 12 percent. In contrast, exports to the Middle East dropped sharply by 28.6 percent, and sales to Asia declined by 3 percent, highlighting weaker performance in those markets during the period.
The December figures reflected monthly movements in trade flows across sectors and regions, resulting in a wider deficit despite continued growth in exports. Over the month, the stronger expansion in imports relative to exports was the primary factor behind the larger shortfall. The data concluded the year with an increase in the trade gap, underscoring the impact of sector specific trends and regional shifts in France’s external trade during the final month of 2025.